Pioneer Women's Ministries invites you to share in the joy of the season by registering for this year's Advent devotionals, "Why Did Jesus Come? Going beyond John 3:16." Join us as we dig deeper into God's amazing love, care, and deep desire to spend eternity with us. Devotionals will be sent daily December 1-25, 2024. You can receive a brief synopsis of each day's devotional by text and the full devotional by email by texting the word ADVENT to 269.281.2345. We look forward to sharing this blessed season with you.
2 B Friends
2 B Friends: GROW Into All the World
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
More In This Series
“2 B Friends: GROW Into all the World”
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□ Acts 14
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F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free: “Whatever his physical disabilities were,
Paul had an extraordinarily tough and resilient constitution and remarkable staying-power: ‘often knocked down but never knocked out’ (as his words in 2 Corinthians 4:9 have been paraphrased).” (171)
- Acts of the Apostles: “What was their surprise when in the midst of their lamentations the apostle suddenly lifted up his head and rose to his feet with the praise of God upon his lips. To the believers this unexpected restoration of God’s servant was regarded as a miracle of divine power and seemed to set the signet of Heaven upon their change of belief. They rejoiced with inexpressible gladness and praised God with renewed faith.” (184)
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F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free: “Whatever his physical disabilities were,
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□ Acts 14:21
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“When they had preached the gospel to that city made many disciples, they
returned.”
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We think that the Gospel Commission is one action—when in fact it is : “preach
the gospel” and “.”
- No wonder they call “The Great Commission” “The Great .”
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We think that the Gospel Commission is one action—when in fact it is : “preach
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Matthew 28:18-20
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Jesus’ command—“Go and make disciples of all the nations”—uses the very same
Greek word (matheteuo) as Acts does in describing what Paul and Barnabas did—they
“made many disciples.”
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Clearly what Jesus commands us to do He us to do:
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- Disciples new disciples is the heart of the Great Commission.
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Jesus’ command—“Go and make disciples of all the nations”—uses the very same
- Jesus’ Four Disciple-Making Ingredients (David Buehring, The Jesus Blueprint: Rediscovering His Original Plan for Changing the World)
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“When they had preached the gospel to that city made many disciples, they
#1—A Commitment to
o Disciple-making in the third millennium by definition challenges postmodern and declares that Truth is embodied in one Being who is the only credible Master to follow.
#2—A Context of
o David Buehring: “Disciple-making takes place in the context of .” (55)
#3—A Culture of
o David Buehring: “Following Jesus actually means Jesus.” (56) o David Buehring: “Obedience begins when we do what the Scriptures say and continues as we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the midst of everyday life. Sometimes, obedience requires us to hurdle our own and step outside of our . There are times when we’ll miss it and we’ll need to humbly acknowledge it, while learning for next time. When we get it right and lives are impacted—wow, talk about growing and being encouraged!” (57)
#4—A Charge to
o A. W. Tozer: “Only a disciple can make a .”
o David Buehring: “Jesus intended for the kingdom of God to be advanced through disciples disciples.” (59)
To join a GROW Group please go to www.pmchurch.org/growgroup
“Following Jesus actually means following Jesus.”
Following the second worship service, there will not be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath.
Michigan Advance Partners
“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”(Exodus 40:34) Years ago, members of Metropolitan Church in Plymouth, Michigan, decided to build a “tabernacle” to praise His holy name!
Unfortunate things happen on this side of eternity – sometimes to earthly tabernacles. Regrettably, water dripping from a leaking roof drenched the carpeting in various parts of the church building. This prompted the church to initiate a fundraising campaign for the repairs and updating of the church interior. Simultaneously, an indoor pipe burst, producing serious flooding to the entire interior, which caused the immediate need for major repair of the entire church interior.
Given the serious water damage, the Church Board requested financial assistance from the Michigan Conference MAP Department. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the benefits of the monthly, sacrificial giving to MAP by the members of the Michigan Conference. The church was granted $8,536.50, which was used to defray part of the large expense of roof repair. Michigan Advance Partnership is integral to sustaining our churches in Michigan. True to its name, it does act as a Partner when one of the churches requires assistance. Funds used to assist the churches are generated through generous donations by members of all Michigan churches during a special appeal made every last Sabbath of every month. Therefore, when you contribute – you are MAP.
The Book of Exodus records; “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do, and the people were restrained from bringing more . . . “(Ex. 36:5-7) Thank you for your faithful support of MAP and all of our sister churches.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Would you enjoy meeting sister outdoors-people? Group membership is for women but members are welcome to bring along friends or family members on the hikes. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. No experience needed. During the winter we will hike once a month.
All are invited to our annual program, "Joy to the World," as our children (ages 0–12) celebrate everything that makes this joyful holiday season: Thanksgiving, Winter, Christmas and New Year's! Following the concert, a donation will be collected for our center. "Joy to the World" will be held in the Howard Performing Arts Center.
Come and enjoy music performed by Raleigh Pettey, baritone, and Jonathan Clough, pianist—an evening celebrating God's gift of music through singing.
On Sabbath, November 23, at 3:30 PM in the PMC Commons, there will be an organizing and planning meeting for Grow Group leaders and for those who are interested in small group ministry.
We invite you to take part in the Feed the Need, Pioneer’s annual Thanksgiving food collection coordinated by the Evergreen Pathfinder club. The club dropped bags in the community last weekend. They will return to pick them up on November 17.
You can also bring your donation of non-perishable food to church on Sabbath November 23. As part of "A Feast of Hymns" Pathfinders will collect the food bags during the Procession of Thanksgiving.
If you know of a family in the area who needs food this upcoming holiday season call Pioneer at 269.471.6565 to submit their name to receive a food bag/box.
Join the AU Department of Music voice students for their annual 'We Sing' Voice Vespers. This year marks the 10th year and features a tribute to the iconic singing duo 'Hale & Wilder'. Robert Hale and Dean Wilder sang over 4,000 sacred concerts. The voice
students and special guests will present selections from their repertoire. Marcelo Martins joins as a guest accompanist.
Dinosaur Encounter is coming to Berrien Springs High School on December 7, 2024. Reserve your tickets at dinoencounter.com/pmc